We had our early Thanksgiving yesterday–my son, daughter-in-law, grandson and me. We had our ham, peas, potatoes, pickled beets, and macerated mixed fruit. My son ate his fill and the took home the leftovers–I always make too much for just that reason. So, my grandson is staying with me until tomorrow evening. Of course, that means I don’t get much sleep–no matter what time he goes to bed, he is always up at 6:00. I’m really pooped this morning.

But yesterday I was full of life, and I had one of the best days in a long time. The kids actually came early and stayed after dinner. They haven’t done that in quite a while. They are usually so busy… But they decided yesterday was about more than just eating. I had almost given up on hoping they would ever remember what was important. We had such a great time! And they are coming for Christmas Eve, too!

Sunrise this Morning

This morning my grandson had breakfast, and then he went downstairs to smash geodes. Three were some really pretty ones. Then we went outside with the dogs to see how cold it was. It’s a good thing we did because there was a nice big fat hawk waiting out there for them. He often lurks for my dogs–I think he thinks they might be tasty. He flew up onto the neighbor’s roof then swooped down and circled around the yard before flying away.

Lurking Hawk

Hawk trying to see if he can get past us to the dogs

Right now, we are watching The Karate Kid. I haven’t seen this since it first came out. I don’t remember much of it except “wax on” and “wax off.”

We’ve got a lazy day today. Tomorrow we go to Barr Lake in the morning and then my rheumatologist appointment. Dr. G always asks about my grandson, but he’s never met him, so tomorrow is the big day! Keaton has lots of questions for him about arthritis. And he knows that I won’t get any shots in my joints, so he knows what to say if Dr. G suggests that (which he always does). Then we will go to the Arsenal to look for birds and bison.

Today, I will celebrate Thanksgiving with my son, daughter-in-law and grandson. We will not have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner–they are not turkey fans. We will have apricot glazed ham steaks, peas, and potatoes cooked with onions. It’s always been my son’s favorite meal for some reason. In fact, several years ago, when he was in college, his best friend and his girlfriend came to our house for dinner and that’s what we had. Stephen (the friend) said it was the best meal he had ever had.

I have also made some pickled beets and macerated berries. I was going to make a cheesecake to put the berries over, but the kids asked me not to make any dessert–apparently my grandson is having some behavioral problems and they are thinking that he needs to cut out the sugar. That’s a difficult thing for someone who can’t live without dessert (me)! I may have to sneak something after my grandson goes to bed…

I like to be ready early. The table is set (except for the silverware that my grandson will put out). I wish the weather outside would be cold and “thanksgiving-ish.” No snow to make us want to sing “Over the River and Through the Woods.” And even though it was down into the teens last night, it will be 41 degrees by noon. Colorado! Luckily, we have the snow on the mountains to gaze at for holiday atmosphere.

Don’t even think for one second that I like cleaning house, or that I am grateful for the challenges of cleaning my home. I’m not. I’ve never liked cleaning. I would much rather be outside. However, cleaning is a necessary part of life, so I do it grudgingly.

On the other hand, I am grateful to have a house to clean. I know there are millions of people around the world who have no home to clean. And there are thousands of people who have been displaced by the wildfires in California. So I approach today with a determination to make this house sparkle.

We’re having an early Thanksgiving tomorrow–the kids are leaving for an anniversary vacation Wednesday. My grandson will stay here for two days so they can get ready. I will take him home on Tuesday evening. It will seem strange for them to be gone on Thursday. But, I guess it doesn’t matter when you celebrate the holiday–it’s getting together with family that really matters. And I want to have a clean house for them to celebrate in. (Not that my house is really dirty…but in Colorado the dust is ever-present–it covers everything.)

While I’m cleaning, I will be thankfully looking at the view of the Rockies from the back of my home, and looking forward to tomorrow.

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